International experts discuss advances in joint surgery at Hanoi symposium

The event covered minimally invasive techniques, navigation systems, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on their potential to improve surgical precision and patient outcomes. It was held at Hong Ngoc General Hospital's Surgical Training Center, which operates in accordance with the standards of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England).

International Symposium "Advances in Hip and Knee Surgery" gathered 13 specialists from 6 countries. Photo courtesy of Hong Ngoc General Hospital

It was honored by the attendance of Philipp Agathonos, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Austria to Vietnam, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting international medical exchange and cooperation with Vietnam.

Austrian Ambassador Philipp Agathonos at the symposium. Photo courtesy of Hong Ngoc General Hospital

The symposium featured 18 presentations across two scientific sessions, with specialists from Vietnam, Austria, Japan, Germany, India and Taiwan (China).

Topics discussed included primary hip and knee surgery, revision arthroplasty in complex cases, bone defect reconstruction, and primary and revision ligament reconstruction.

Professor Dietmar Krappinger, deputy director of the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology and head of the Pelvic and Hip Surgery Unit at Innsbruck Medical University in Austria, opened the first session with a presentation on total hip replacement in patients with acetabular fractures, particularly older adults.

Professor Dietmar Krappinger discusses surgical approaches to hip replacement. Photo courtesy of Hong Ngoc General Hospital

Prof. Hiranaka Takafumi, MD, PhD, Director of the Joint Surgery Center at Takatsuki General Hospital, Japan, presented "KA-TKA Using Calipered Measurements and the ROSA Robot." The topic attracted considerable professional interest as robotics and artificial intelligence are increasingly integrated into surgical practice.

The first session also highlighted advances in knee joint preservation and reconstruction through presentations by Dr. Christian Koidl of Innsbruck Medical University and Associate Professor Chao-Ping Chen of Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan (China)...

The second session focused on complex cases, including revision hip and knee replacement, bone defect reconstruction, periprosthetic fractures and repeat ligament reconstruction.

Krappinger reviewed revision hip arthroplasty practices in Austria, while Dr. Pai-Han Wang of Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan discussed bone defect reconstruction during hip replacement.

Professor Takafumi Hiranaka presented approaches to revision knee replacement. Dr. Phan Ba Hai of Viet Duc University Hospital in Vietnam discussed ways to reduce graft failure after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

The session concluded with Dr. Joerg Beardi, head of the Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery at Klinikum Werra Meißner's Eschwege campus in Germany, discussing the management of periprosthetic fractures.

The symposium is scheduled to continue on the morning of Oct. 18 with two live surgical demonstrations broadcast to the conference hall.

The first will demonstrate total hip replacement using the minimally invasive SuperPATH technique, which aims to preserve the surrounding soft tissues. The second will combine revision ACL reconstruction with lateral extra-articular tenodesis using the iliotibial band to provide additional rotational stability in selected patients.

Surgeons from Hong Ngoc General Hospital will perform both procedures with guidance from specialists from Austria and Germany.

Dr. Le Quang Huy (L) performs an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction procedure. Photo courtesy of Hong Ngoc General Hospital

Organizers said the live demonstrations would connect scientific discussions with practical surgical applications, giving participating surgeons opportunities to examine techniques used in complex hip and knee procedures.